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Questions: Double Bass External Linings

Questions: Double Bass External Linings

by Arnold Schnitzer

Originally published in American Lutherie #97, 2009



Quincy M. from the Internet asks:

Some double basses have what look like external linings, strips of wood on the ribs at the top and bottom edges. Can someone please tell me what the purpose of these strips is and also what they are called?

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Questions: Bass Scroll

Questions: Bass Scroll

by Guy Rabut, Roman Barnas, and Tim Olsen

Originally published in American Lutherie #89, 2007



Paul W. from the Internet asks:

Do you have any advice for someone who is carving his first bass scroll? I have read instructions and seen pictures, but I’m having trouble figuring out what to do after the first turn of the scroll is blocked out.

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Questions: Violin Tailpiece

Questions: Violin Tailpiece

by Marilyn Wallin

Originally published in American Lutherie #90, 2007



Douglas Edgar from the Internet asks:

I’m an amateur violin maker having some trouble with violins coming unglued near the tailpiece. The saddle, top, and block all seem to be fitted correctly. I’m using granular hide glue with a dash of salt in it.

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Questions: Violin refinish

Questions: Violin refinish

by Michael Darnton

Originally published in American Lutherie #103, 2010



Winthrop Eastman from the Internet asks:

I have a violin that belonged to my great grandmother. It has been in an attic for many years. We sold the house and I rescued the old violin. I would like to restore or refinish it, but I don’t want to damage its sound quality in any way. Can you direct me to a book or literature on how to restore such stringed instruments. I am quite handy at restoring furniture but have never tackled a violin. There is a dusty old label inside the violin that says “Carl Friedrich Pfretzschner 1773.”

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Questions: Balsa Wood Violins

Questions: Balsa Wood Violins

by Douglas Martin

Originally published in American Lutherie #89, 2007



Christine B. from the Internet asks:

I’ve heard rumors about excellent-sounding violins made of balsa wood. If there are such things, doesn’t this raise questions about why spruce is used for violin tops and harder wood for the sides and back?

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This article is part of our premium web content offered to Guild members. To view this and other web articles, join the Guild of American Luthiers. Members also receive 4 annual issues of American Lutherie and get discounts on products. For details, visit the membership page.

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